The 4th Annual Houston Iftar Ramadan Dinner with Mayor Annise Parker showed, this year again, a beautiful portrait of Brotherhood where all races and religions shared and enjoyed peacefully under one roof.
On Saturday, June 12th 2014, Iftar gathered together several communities with members of all faiths and denominations to break the daily fast during this prestigious dinner at the Bayou City Events Center. During Ramadan, Muslims request forgiveness for sins in the past, pray for direction and assistance in abstaining from everyday troubles, and endeavor to cleanse themselves through self-control and great acts of faith.
Almost 2000 people attended this meaningful event organized by the Baku, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul and Karachi Houston Sister Cities Associations and hosted by collaborating organizations such as the Azerbaijan Center, Raindrop Turkish House, the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, His Highness the Aga Khan Council for the Southwestern United States, the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce-USA, the National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, the Council on American Islamic Relations Texas Chapter, the Hashoo Foundation, and many others!
The Mayor of Houston and other Congressional, County, City, business, civic leaders and Members of Consular Corps of Houston also attended the multi-cultural event to show their support and solidarity. After being introduced by Aftab Ghesani, President of His Highness the Aga Khan Council for Southwestern United States, Mayor Annise Parker highlighted the importance of solidarity and diversity as foundations of the City of Houston while addressing the full banquet hall. The Mayor also made emphasis on the wonderful work that all Sister Cities are able to accomplish together.
The Mayor of Houston was joined by a Guest of Honor, S. Javaid Anwar, President and CEO of Midland Energy. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Congressman Al Green, both congressional representatives whose districts are located in Houston, also greeted the audience and presented proclamations to the organizers of the dinner for their hard work towards creating a more diverse and bonded society. All the volunteers at this event were a perfect representation of diversity and unity!
The Azerbaijani community together with the Pakistani, Turkish, Arab, and American communities were all proud to be a part of this symbolic event and look forward to the next ones to come.
On behalf of the Organizing Committee of Houston Iftar 2014, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the volunteers and participating organizations for their strong support!
Houston-Baku Sister City Association 
Is this the same mayor who has attempted to order the christian pastors in Houston to provide copies of their sermons?